What generally happens to bail money if the defendant appears for all court dates?

When a defendant appears for all court dates as required, the bail money is typically refunded in full. This is a fundamental principle of the bail bond system: the purpose of bail is to ensure that the defendant returns to court. Once the court proceedings are completed and the defendant has fulfilled their obligations, the court releases the bail, allowing the individual or the party that posted the bail to reclaim the full amount.

Furthermore, this refund is a key incentive for defendants to comply with court appearances and to discourage them from fleeing, as their financial commitment is at stake. The process of refunding may take some time due to administrative procedures, but ultimately, as long as all court conditions are met, the bail money is returned without deductions.